The OSCE Handbook on Combating Corruption follows and, in part, builds upon the 2004 OSCE Handbook of Best Practices in Combating Corruption. Yet it is innovative in several ways. Considerable efforts have been made to compile as well as synthesize, where possible, various international standards and recipes of a number of key international players in the anti-corruption field. The authors have also tried to present measures to prevent and fight corruption from a cross-dimensional perspective, drawing on legal, economic and human rights approaches. In addition, the Handbook outlines many regional initiatives and national examples as well as initiatives of civil society and the private sector.
The aim of the Handbook is to provide the 57 OSCE participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation with a reference guide on available legal tools, the latest legislative and policy trends, and pertinent measures and practices to prevent and suppress corruption. The Handbook should raise awareness of the range of international instruments available to national policymakers and anti-corruption practitioners, and assist them in developing and implementing effective anti-corruption policies and measures, thereby reducing the possibilities for corruption, instability and transnational crime.
The Handbook is expected to contribute to further political dialogue, exchange of knowledge and good practices as well as strengthen international cooperation among policymakers, practitioners and experts in the OSCE region and beyond. It is envisaged that the publication will also be used for practical, tailormade training seminars at regional and national levels in the OSCE region in the coming years.
